PHOENIX — The 12 News A+ Teacher for Wednesday, Aug. 21 is a second-grade teacher at Madison Simis Elementary School.
A parent of one of Jessica Mooney's students reached out to 12News saying, despite the fact her son is on the spectrum and has struggled to find his place socially and academically, as he navigates life with ADHD, when he got into Mooney's class, he flourished.
“I nominated Ms. Mooney,” Phoenix mom Abra Rummel said. “She was a second-grade teacher with Oliver, my oldest son.”
Our 12News cameras were on campus as they surprised the teacher who truly helped transform Oliver into a diligent, hardworking student, who takes pride in his efforts.
“That was when I made the most friends,” Oliver said.
“Oliver has a few diagnoses that make school difficult for him… make life difficult for him in a lot of ways,” said Rummel.
But when Oliver entered Mooney’s class, that all changed. He made friends and wanted to hang out with classmates outside of school. His academics improved.
Rummel credits Mooney with creating an inclusive and supportive environment that has led to a large portion of Oliver’s tremendous growth.
Oliver knows she believes in him and cares about his progress, he works hard to prove her right, Rummel said.
“She really made that connection, saw what makes him special as a human and helped him find his voice,” she said. “I feel like he’s more capable and confident in the world.”
And after a quick knock at her classroom door from the principal, our 12News cameras joined Oliver, his mom and school staff members with flowers and a special certificate in hand.
“Ms. Mooney creates such a safe space in her classroom where everyone feels welcome,” said Lindsay Murray, principal. “When you walk in here, you feel like you are part of a community.”
“Thank you so much,” said Mooney. “This means so much to me.”
Mooney says she really cherishes the connections she makes with the students.
“Oliver is a very special student who I definitely had such a strong connection with and watched him grow and saw all those changes that you’re talking about, and it feels so nice to be recognized for that.”
During the special visit, there was another surprise for Ms. Mooney. On behalf of 12News and American Furniture Warehouse, she received $500.
If you'd like to nominate a teacher who's made a difference in your life to be recognized as a 12News A+ Teacher, send in your nomination by emailing connect@12news.com. Be sure to include the teacher's name, why they deserve to be recognized and your contact information.
>> Live, local, breaking. Download the 12News app
12News on YouTube
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.